Sean Francis gave Shamrock Rovers their first win at Turner's Cross in five years and brought a smile back to manager Damien Richardson after this rearranged Eircom League tie.

Rovers, who beat Cork 4-1 in the corresponding fixture at Santry before Christmas, turned the tables on the home team once again thanks to a two-goal blast by the former Cobh Ramblers striker.

Rovers dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded for their endeavour when Francis opened the scoring after 26 minutes. Goalkeeper Robbie Horgan launched a huge kick down-field and when Tony Grant played Francis in the young striker made no mistake.

Seconds earlier Cork had claims for a penalty turned down after Terry Palmer appeared to handle Pat Morley's goalbound header. Cork drew level three minutes before half-time when Mark Herrick netted after Steve Gaughan's corner kick was headed on by John Caulfield.

Rovers sealed their victory when Francis scored from a 70th minute penalty after Stephen Napier was adjudged to have handled and that goal lifted Rovers back into joint second place in the table with Bray Wanderers and Bohemians

Cork City: Devine; O'Halloran, O'Rourke, Napier, Horgan; Cahill, Herrick, Gaughan, Buckley, Morley, Caulfield. Subs: Tynan for Buckley (29 mins), Cotter for Morley and Moore for Caulfield (both 78 mins).

Shamrock Rovers: Horgan; Smith, Palmer, Cronin, Dunne; Robinson, Deans, Colwell, Woods; Francis, Grant.

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).

How They Stand

Shelbourne